Well over 30 million people visit Niagara Falls each year, with numbers increasing with every season. With so much to see and do for all ages though, it isn’t hard to see why. If you’re planning your next break away, check out these top reasons why Niagara has way more to offer you and your family than just a few snaps by the Falls…

1. So Many Tours On Offer

You’ll probably be familiar already with the Hornblower Cruise, which sails past the American and Bridal Veil Falls before taking you right up to the base of the famous Horseshoe Falls. While this adventure is thrilling in its own right, were you aware that there are dozens more tours besides that? If you’d like to see a new side to Niagara, why not take a guided tour around the Gorge, where you can feast your eyes on all the geological features and ancient landscapes that have made Niagara the place it is today?

If you fancy somewhere a little livelier though, how about taking a tour around the Daredevil Exhibit in the IMAX Theatre by Clifton Hill, which is packed with amusement arcades and other fun activities for the kids, not to mention the SkyWheel and Skylon Tower for unparalleled views.

2. Just Think Of The Food And Drink

If you’re a food lover or wine connoisseur, you couldn’t be in a better spot that Niagara! This area is home to some of the best wineries in Canada, including award-winning Icewine recipes. You can take one of the regular tours from the Fallsview area right into the heart of the wine country, where your expert guide will explain the production process, even allowing you to sample some of their best tipples and ideal food pairings.

If you prefer company while you eat, why not attend one of Niagara’s many food festivals? You and 30,000 other people will be able to enjoy the Springlicious Food and Drink Festival this year, with many culinary delights on offer, as well as beers and spirits. For a touch of class though, you’ll find many fine-dining experiences to satisfy your appetite; why not try out the new Niagara Falls restaurant, Morton’s Grille? With crispy pizzas, tender steaks and tasty cocktails, who could resist?

3. Perfect Territory For Nature Lovers

Finally, if you’d prefer the quiet life, Niagara Falls is ideal for nature lovers. You’ll find dozens of picturesque hiking trails around the Niagara Glen Nature Reserve and Devil’s Hole State Park, which will lead you to phenomenal views of the rushing river rapids, through complex cave systems, right out onto tranquil picnic spots.

Heading just 10 minutes north of the Fallsview area though, you’ll stumble across the stunning botanical gardens. Not only is this home to the exotic Butterfly Conservatory where over 2,000 tropical inhabitants are available for you to photograph, but you’ll find the world-famous rose gardens here too.

If you want your next holiday to be unique, you should head to the desert. To make your experience even better, consider staying in desert hotels and camps, which will allow you to have unique accommodation. Don’t know where specifically to go? Keep on reading and we’ll suggest some places you might want to consider.

Sahara

Located in Northern Africa, this is the largest desert in the world, which is already enough reason to include this in your bucket list. It has an expansive area of about 3.5 million square miles, which is already 10% of the entire African continent. One of the best ways to experience the desert would be through camel trekking, which is a magical experience when done during sunrise or sunset. During your tour of the desert, there are also several historical ruins that can be visited to make the most out of your trip.

Gobi

The fifth largest desert in the world, this is another destination that you will love. Located in Asia, its isolation and silence are some of the things that make it magical. This is a place where you can disconnect from the outside world and just focus on living the present. Because of its location, the desert is cold, as against many that are hot and humid. In some instances, you can even see snow.

Atacama

This desert is located in Northern Chile and has an estimated size of 105,000 square kilometres. It is recognised as one of the driest places in Earth. This means that there is very little evidence of human development, which is exactly what rouses the interest of many people. Aside from the desert itself, you can also explore the intimate town of San Pedro de Atacama, which will make a great jump off point for your desert adventure. For the best sunset view, meanwhile, head to Valley of the Moon and see the surroundings turn pink.

Namib

This desert covers Namibia, South Africa, and Angola. It has a diversity of flora and fauna, including species that you cannot find anywhere else in the world. A large portion of the desert is a protected area. Some of the animals that you can see in the desert include antelope, springbok, jackals, hyenas, lions, rhinos, elephants, zebras, and ostriches. This is one of the best deserts if you wish to have an up close and personal encounter with animals in the wild.

Kalahari

Magical – this is one word that is often used by many people when describing this desert in Botswana. Beautiful sunset, lush greenery, stunning waterfalls, and crimson sand are just some of the things that will make this place unmatched in terms of natural beauty. There is perhaps no better way of experiencing the desert than being on a safari. This will give you the chance to be close with ostriches, lions, buffalos, and antelopes. For something that is more memorable, try a walking safari at night and explore the desert under the gaze of bright stars.

Visiting a Disney Park will be on a lot of peoples bucket lists, but the question is which park do you choose to visit? Well actually that’s wrong, it should be which park should you visit first?! There are six parks around the world, two in the US; Disneyland Resort in Anaheim, California and Walt Disney World Resort in Orlando Florida. One in Europe; Disneyland Paris, France. Three in Asia; Tokyo Disney Resort, Japan, Hong Kong Disneyland and Shanghai Disney Resort in China. They all have differences but all still hold the Disney magic loved by many.

If you’re looking to visit one of the parks,My Voucher Codes have created a handyinfographic comparing all the parks with their key features, to help you decide which park you should visit first.

Walt Disney World

The biggest park built to date, Walt Disney World covers 27,258 acres with 4 theme parks, 2 water parks and 4 golf courses. There are 27 hotels on site in and around all 4 parks and for food you can choose from over 340 different restaurants. Walt Disney World Florida also has a 56m tall Cinderella Castle, its design based on the castle from the film but also other palaces including Fontainebleu, Versailles and Castle Neuschwanstein.

Disneyland Resort California

The first of the two US based parks built, by Walt Disney himself, opening in 1955. This original park is also smaller then is neighbouring Walt Disney World Park covering 500 acres. It only has 3 hotels but 91 different restaurants. The Sleeping Beauty Castle is designed like the original castle from the Disney film and stands at 23 metres tall.

Disneyland Paris

The Disneyland Paris resort covers 990 acres and is made up of two theme parks and a golf course. There are 7 hotels to choose from and it’s easily accessible from Paris. It has 53 attractions across the two parks and 66 restaurants and like the California Disneyland it also has a Sleeping Beauty Castle.

Tokyo Disney Resort

The third park to be built and the first outside of the US, has 2 theme parks: Tokyo Disneyland Park and Tokyo Disney Sea and covers 494 acres. There are 4 resort hotels to choose from and 84 restaurants. The Tokyo Disney Resort has a Cinderella Castle which stands 51m high just a bit shorter than the Castle in Walt Disney World.

Hong Kong Disneyland

It might be the smallest resort, but it doesn’t mean it’s any less magical. Hong Kong Disneyland covers just 310 acres. There are 2 hotels to choose from and over 30 places to eat. This resort also has a Sleeping Beauty Castle which is 23 meters tall, which is the only castle to also feature a natural mountain in the background, magical.

Shanghai Disney Resort

This park only opened this summer! The latest addition, it covers 963 acres and there are plans to expand it in the next few years. Currently there is only one theme park however there are 2 resort hotels to choose from and 28 restaurants. This park also differs to the others, it actually has a different castle. The Enchanted Story Book castle which represents all Disney Princess Castles rather than just one.

Those lucky enough to live or work in San Francisco understand why it is one of the top tourist destinations. In fact, San Francisco is one of the 100 most visited cities in the world, and attracts the 5th highest number of foreign visitors of any city in America. One cannot possibly take in all of the sights and sounds the city has to offer, but here are 5 activities that everyone needs to do to enjoy an authentic San Francisco experience.

1) Visit the Haight-Ashbury

Centrally located in the city, Haight-Ashbury district is notable for being the epicenter of the “hippie” movement. The counterculture, steeped in its love of art, psychedelic rock music and sticking it to “the man”, came to ahead in the summer of 1967 when thousands of young men and women converged on the quaint neighborhood to take in concerts and participate in demonstrations. Today the neighborhood still boasts the counterculture aesthetic, but has slowly transformed into a popular shopping hub, offering a mix of unique boutiques, record stores and mainstream shops.

2) Take in Chinatown

Many large metropolitan areas have a Chinatown, but none are as prolific as San Francisco’s. Established as a port of entry for working-class Chinese immigrants in the 1850’s, Chinatown remains an important epicenter for the Chinese culture in America, with dozens of social clubs, places of worship, shops and restaurants committed to maintaining cultural authenticity. San Francisco’s Chinatown is noted for being the birthplace of westernized Chinese cuisine, bringing dishes like Dim sum to the forefront. If planning a day in Chinatown, prepare for crowds; the district is the most densely populated area of the city.

3) Catch a game at AT&T Park

You don’t have to be a baseball fan to enjoy an afternoon at AT&T Park, the home of the MLB’s 2012, 2014, & 2016 World Series champion San Francisco Giants. Located along the water in the cities China Basin neighborhood, the stadium has been home to the team since 2000, when they moved from the aging Candlestick Park. The beautiful stadium offers gorgeous views of the bay that visitors can take in while scarfing down a helping of the famous garlic fries offered there.

4) Fisherman’s Wharf

Another heavily visited area, Fisherman’s Wharf has so many things to do it can be a bit overwhelming at times. Established as the home base for seafood in the mid to late 1800’s, mainly by immigrant fisherman from Italy, the Wharf is still dozens of great seafood restaurants that serve fresh crab, lobster rolls, and clam chowder. The Wharf is also home to floating museums like the USS Pampanito, a World War II-era submarine. Most visitors converge at Pier 39, which features the Aquarium of the Bay, the famous sea lion enclave, and serves as the launching point for ferries to other surrounding Bay Area communities.

5) Take a stroll through Golden Gate Park

Need a break from all the hustle and bustle downtown? Then a relaxing afternoon in the San Francisco’s largest park is right up your alley. Stretching over three miles long, thousands of visitors visit the park each year to enjoy the trails, lakes, and trees abound. The park is also home to great museums like the De Young and the Academy of Sciences, as well as the Japanese Tea Garden (the oldest in the US). After at day at the park, there is no better way to end it than a meal at the Beach Chalet, a great restaurant at the north end of the park that offers breathtaking views of the ocean

Canada is a fascinating place to visit, a land that has so much variety within it’s borders and a country far bigger than many think. From busy cities, beautiful landscapes, rugged mountains, icy towns and bilingual locals, Canada has something for everyone and here are our top 4 picks for what to do in the land of the mounties.

Niagara Falls

This monstrous waterfall tops this list, technically 3 waterfalls in one, Niagara sits across the US and the Canadian border and is a natural wonder. There are several options available to see the best of the falls, you can admire them from a distance on the streets of Toronto, take a bus tour around the falls, jump on one of the boats that sail around the bottom of the falls ( remember your waterproof coat) or you can even head on a tour underneath the falls in an underground tunnel. Don’t miss this incredible waterfall when you head to Canada.

Hit the Piste

Such is Canada’s proximity to the Arctic Circle and it’s rugged mountains, it makes for the perfect place to go skiing and several resorts in the north exist solely for this reason. If you want to go skiing in Canada the top resorts are Whistler, which was used during the Winter Olympics, Banff, which also has one of the World’s largest film festivals each year and Panorama mountain village, a resort that also has fantastic biking and golfing options. If you like to ski or would like to try it out then Canada is the perfect place for you.

Visit Vancouver

Vancouver is arguably the coolest city in Canada, a beautifully located city that sits on the West Coast right on the edge of the Pacific Ocean and is surrounded by mountains. The city is a great place to spend some of your time in Canada, a city with a vibrant art scene that can be felt through the streets bars and restaurants and a city that offers visitors countless activities to see and do. There are huge open spaces where you can partake in sporting activities, museums like the Science Centre and the Museum of Anthropology to visit and plenty of live music and art shows taking place every night for you to have some fun.

Dine at the CN Tower

At the time of it’s creation in 1976, Toronto’s CN tower was the World’s largest building standing at a huge 553 metres, the building has since been beaten to this elusive record but it is still an incredible building and one that you should try and visit. At the top of the tower there is a revolving restaurant and dining there is an absolute must. As you sit and spin you will have the greatest views possible of the city including the monstrous Niagara Falls. The food is fantastic in the restaurant and offers fusion style cuisine that has been inspired from all of the World. This is a great opportunity for you to dine in a type of restaurant that you really won’t find anywhere else in the World.

Florida is one of the World’s most visited holiday destinations, a state that is packed with things to do for everyone and anyone and should really be seen to be believed. Florida has become especially attractive to families over the last 20 years owing to it’s incredible array of theme parks and child friendly attractions, it’s also worth noting that there is plenty here for all tourists. If you’re heading to the Sunshine State this year then here are our top picks for places to go and see.

Disneyworld

This list simply wouldn’t be complete without the inclusion of the most famous theme park in the World, Disneyworld. This mecca for family entertainment is split into 4 main parks, Magic Kingdom, Epcot, Hollywood Studios and the Animal Kingdom which collectively gives visitors one of the largest varieties of theme park fun than you’ll find anywhere in the World. Kids will love to see the characters from their favourite films and parents will love the rides, don’t leave Florida before visiting Disneyworld.

Everglades

The Everglades are a huge region of wetlands in Florida that houses thousands of species of animals and incredible varieties of flora for you to see. The best way to travel through the Everglades is on a hover boat which you can rent with a driver to truly witness the best of this area of Florida. You can see Alligators, reptiles, birds and large cats amongst many other species. When you’re in the Everglades it feels as though you’re in an entirely different continent and you should try your best to spend some time there when you go to Florida.

Kennedy Space Centre

The JFK Space Centre in Florida is an active launch site for US missions into space with a fantastic visitor centre. If you are in luck then you may well be able to catch the launch of a shuttle although this doesn’t happen too frequently. Regardless, you will have a fantastic time in the space centre learning about the history of space travel and seeing artefacts from previous space missions and things collected from space, there is even a space simulator here for you to fulfil those dreams of being an astronaut.

Sea World

On the outskirts of Florida is the aquatic theme park Sea World, a huge complex that gives visitors the chance to see some incredible marine life all in one place. The park has several rollercoasters along with other attractions like dolphin and whale shows. You can easily spend a day or two in the park and learn about these incredible aquatic creatures. The killer whale show is the most famous here but one of the best attractions is the Shark Encounter, an underwater tunnel that allows you to see sharks and barracudas up close. To make things easier for places like SeaWorld I’d recommend that you get your Florida park tickets in advance online.

Miami Beach

A visit to Miami Beach is well worth doing when you’re in Florida, not only is this a beautiful beach with scorching temperatures, but it is also one of the liveliest regions in Florida. Famed for it’s beautiful people, wearing designer clothing and stylish sunglasses such as Oakley sunglasses, the beach is packed with bars, restaurants, clubs and juice bars and there is always something going on. Miami has a great deal of money in it and it’s a great place to people watch and see some of the incredible cars that drive around these parts.

Regardless of whether you are an adult or a child, Disney World in Florida is a magical place that will fill you with excitement, fun and wonder. The complex covers almost 30,000 acres of land and within it’s walls are theme parks, adventures, hotels, restaurants, bars and live shows. The park features four main theme parks, Animal Kingdom, Epcot, Magic Kingdom and the Hollywood Studios. The vastness of the park means that it can be difficult to see it all so here are my top 5 slightly different things that you simply must do on a visit to Disney World.

Go Diving

In the Epcot theme park they offer an experience called DiveQuest which gives you the chance to SCUBA dive into a 5.7 million-gallon saltwater tank. During the 3 hour tour you will dive around the Caribbean Reef’s and have the opportunity to swim with dolphins, sea turtles and sharks, quite an incredible experience and all while you are still inside a theme park. If you are SCUBA certified then this is an opportunity you can’t miss out on.

Enjoy a Campfire

Chip n’ Dale’s Sing-a-Long campfire takes place at 7pm each night near the Meadow Trading Post during the Autumn and Winter months, just as the sun is going down. These organised campfires are a perfect end to the day for families and couples alike. The organiser will start the sing-a-longs, keep the fire burning and hand out marshmallows for you to toast on the roaring fire. There is something about a campfire that is incredibly relaxing which is just what you’ll need after a day at Disney World.

Learn to Surf

At Disney’s Typhoon Water Park they have an enormous wave pool which simulates waves large enough to surf on. Surfing lessons are offered everyday for guests aged 8 and over and for a variety of skill levels, whether you are a beginner or you’ve done it once or twice, the lessons on the wave pool are a must. The pool can produce waves of up to 6 foot which may seem daunting at first but once you’ve tried and bailed a few times, you’ll soon be able to take them on.

Dinner and a Movie

The AMC Movie Theatre now offers 6 ‘dine-in’ movie theatres where you and the family can sit down for a fun movie and have your meal at your seat. The range of food is your standard burgers, fries, hot dogs and pizzas and adults can enjoy an alcoholic beverage if they wish as well. There is a service button on each seat so if you’re in need of a top up or an extra order or fries, the staff will be on hand to provide you with them so that you don’t miss any of the movie.

Go Racing

There are two experiences at the Walt Disney World Speedway that allow you drive either an exotic car around it’s track or a NASCAR race car at top speed around the ring. The Richard Petty NASCAR experience gives you the chance to drive one of the racing machines for between 8-50 laps depending on your choice and the Exotic Driving Experience gives you a range of high end sports cars to show off your skills.

Regardless of what you decide to do here I would encourage you to buy your Disney World tickets early, as you can imagine the popularity of the park means that you might miss out on some things that you wanted to do and also buying tickets early can offer save you plenty of money and hassle.

If you are looking for your little piece of paradise to kick back and get in a winter vacation, then you should definitely consider a trip of ultimate comfort and head to St. Martins. Although non-Europeans will need to apply for a visa, since it is split between the French and Netherland territories of the Virgin Islands; it is more than worth the effort of getting that stamp in your passport. So why choose St. Martin? Here are five reasons to consider booking a flight to the Caribbean and booking a stunning St. Martin villa rentals from Luxury Retreats sooner rather than later.

Weather

St. Martin’s dry season falls between the months of December and April, while most of the northern hemisphere is in the midst of their wet and cold seasons. With the average day in St. Martin during this time frame being sunny and between 80 and 85 degrees, it is the ideal location to defrost yourself and decompress as your friends back home bundle up and hide inside.

Exceptional Gourmet Cuisine

The daily French flights provide St. Martin with fresh meats, produce, and cheeses that are locally farmed and produced in France. Fresh delicacies that are not typically seen on island destinations make St Matin unique, the meals are cooked by European trained chefs that run many of the exquisite restaurants on the island and you are left with some of the finest dining in the world.

Cultural Diversity

Martin has the unique distinction of being an island that is split between two countries. The approximate 60/40 split of the island between France and the Kingdom of the Netherlands gives this special island a multicultural diversity that is rarely seen on typical vacations to countries with less character. It is common to hear a West Indian accented English, French, Spanish, and Dutch dialogue spoken as you explore the more than 70 different nationalities that are peacefully cohabitating in this gorgeous small island. The music, customs, and daily life culture infuses every aspect of this beautiful corner of the world.

37 Beaches To Chose From!

Although each of the 37 beaches that surround St. Martin may have their own individual idiosyncrasies, they all have one thing in common, the crystal clear turquoise ocean waters that lap at them, which will leave you dumbstruck with awe. Whether you prefer a secluded beach off of the beaten path surrounded by rocky cliffs, or a sprawling public beach you will have more than enough beach going options to choose from.

Lively Nightlife

The St. Martin nightlife has something to offer everyone, from dancing, to gambling, to simply enjoying a drink as you listen to some live local music. St. Martin has a varied musical culture that is represented at the various nightclubs, piano bars, and restaurants or cafes that complete the island’s nightlife experience. Keep your eyes open and you may even enjoy some talented street performances.

One of the most unexpectedly exciting places in South America for many tourists is Iguazu Falls. You might think that if you have seen one big waterfall you have seen them all. However, this is a truly awe inspiring place which you should make an effort to go and see. It is one of the New Modern Wonders of Nature and one of the biggest and most spectacular shows of nature’s force on the planet.

Getting There

If you are travelling to Iguazu from Buenos Aires then it is long way by road. In fact, you can expect a bus trip to here to last about 15 hours. The good news is that pretty cheap flights can be booked from Buenos Aires to the town of Puerto Iguazu if time is tight and you can afford it. There aren’t really too many other touristy destinations near the falls, so making a meandering trip up there with a few stops isn’t as popular as you might think. On the Brazilian side the town is called Foz do Iguacu. You can get here from all of the main cities in Brazil. Like Argentina, the journeys are long in such a big country and flights are available. Very few travellers seem to come through Paraguay to Ciudad del Este and I don’t have any information on how easy or difficult that trip is.

Where to Stay

The choice of where you stay will probably come down to the currency exchange rates at the time you are there. For example, at the time of writing the Brazilian Real is a lot stronger than the Argentine Peso, so staying on the Argentine side is going to work out cheaper for you. Puerto Iguazu is probably a nicer town than the Brazilian equivalent anyway, although you should be sure to check both of them out. The Paraguayan town of Ciudad del Este has a reputation for being a bit unsafe and is apparently where a lot of Brazilians and Argentines go to buy counterfeit goods.

What to Do

Obviously the main attraction here is the chance to see the falls. There isn’t a lot else to do anyway, to be fair. Puerto Iguazu is – like all of Argentina – a good place to eat a quality steak. Foz do Iguazu is decent for walking around but doesn’t seem to have a lot for tourists to do. Of course, you should make sure that you see the falls from both Brazil and Argentina, as they offer different experiences and views. In Brazil you will be further from the water but will get an amazing view of the Devil’s Throat part of the falls. While in Argentina you will be closer to the action and spend a lot more time walking around the falls or even taking a boat trip under them if you like. The falls are set in a tropical forest and the Bird Park on the Brazilian side is a good place to see lots of the local wildlife.

From great sites, world-class accommodations and numerous activities, Chile presents its self as one of the best holiday destinations in the world. The Republic of Chile is a country that borders the Pacific Ocean and Andes mountains in South America. The country enjoys diverse climate that presents the power and beauty of nature ranging from driest desert to mountain glaciers. Its geographical segregation enables the survival of characteristic animals, which include the Puma, Chilla, Pudu among other small birds and sea animals. Whenever you want to choose a holiday destination, I propose Chile, and if, like me, you want to save money on your next flight to Chile, click here.

Beautiful Geography & Wildlife

In the south of Chile, you find the Araucania, scenic lakes and volcanoes. The lakes present the nature’s typical setting defined by crystal clear waters, relaxing atmosphere, cool breeze from the luxuriant green valleys and breathtaking mountainous view. The rivers also provide great landscape for individuals seeking getaways. The national parks in the region have a variety of animals indigenous to Chile’s diverse climate.

The northern part of the country is also worth a visit for the people who embrace the cruelty of nature and inspiring opulence. The desert lands in this region are extensive with several national parks that offer a home for numerous plants and animal species. The Atacama and Altiplano areas are a home to archaeological sites that depicts the ancient Indian settlements and culture. Across the desert is an oasis that restores hope to the numerous animals such as Viscachas, Condors, Aymara, and Flamingos among others.

For the individuals who enjoy tranquility and privacy the “Es otro mundo” offers a solution. The fascinating island separates itself from the mainland and creates a feeling of serenity for the visitors. On the island, individuals enjoy the rich culture and traditions Chile has to offer. It is also a home of several landscapes visible from far and wide. People on holiday may engage in several fun activities that include hiring a four-wheel drive and transversing the island while enjoying the landscape.

Adventurous Activities Available

For the Britons seeking a holiday off, you need to visit Patagonia in Chile. It offers a perfect place to enjoy the legends and magical environment in the country. From Patagonia, one is treated to the icebergs, glaciers and spectacular forests sceneries. The presence of open plains and fantastic vast sky also augments the whole experience. The hiking and camping available in this land is unmatched.

The Pucon region in the country is a fine destination for those who love travelling and adventure. With an 11-hour bus drive from Santiago, the nature lovers enjoy numerous sceneries, and awesome travel experience. The destination offers numerous fun activities such as horse riding, rock climbing, canoeing and swimming.

Great Cuisine & Accomodations

After a long day of fun and play, the holiday goers beg for a relaxing and soothing resting period especially in the evening. Chile offers numerous cosy restaurants with a wide range of delicious indigenous meals and great accommodations for the visitors. The hotels also treat their visitors with international cuisines, excellent wine in the hotel gardens and hot water pools among other personalized services. Chile is a holiday destination worth a visit.

Where is on your bucket list?

We write about once-in-a-lifetime experiences from around the world – everything from the greatest festivals to visit, to the best foods to eat and the simple must-see destinations from this wonderful planet.